Baby Formula is Not Rat Poison

Do you think we could maybe take a break from beating up non-breastfeeders? Formula is not rat poison. The moms who use it are not Simlac abusers. In fact, they are the majority of us: Only 14 percent of American women are exclusively breastfeeding at the six-month point. They must have some reason beyond massive indifference to their babies' health.

Like, maybe it's hard to do? Or it hurts? Or, as with two of my dear friends, the whole thing never kicked in, despite the desperate days they spent attached to miniature milking machines? Or maybe some moms actually have to go back to work and don't want to sit in the coat closet with a pump and a copy of People?

There are plenty of legit reasons for not breastfeeding, and yet formula moms are often portrayed as selfish jerks who don't care if their babies live, die or end up allergic to dubious studies that make moms feel guilty. I'm allergic to those, too.

The latest one appears in this month's Pediatrics, saying that each year 911 babies (what an evocative number!) die from the infections and/or illnesses they might have fought off had they been breastfed.

Let's leave aside the scientific problems with this study -- most saliently the fact that it is impossible to separate the benefits of breast milk from the benefits of having a mom so health-conscious that she breastfeeds. These two factors are "confounded," as Joan Wolf, assistant professor of Women's & Gender Studies at Texas A&M and author of the forthcoming book, Is Breast Best?, puts it. In other words: It's quite possible that it's the upbringing and not the milk that is conferring the rather minimal benefits we associate with breastfeeding.

Minimal? Yes and don't jump on me! Dr. Michael Kramer, a professor of pediatrics at McGill University and breastfeeding consultant to the World Health Organization, tells London's The Times that the benefits conferred by breastfeeding in terms of kids avoiding leukemia, lymphoma, bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, heart disease [and] blood pressure are "weak." So are breastfeeding's benefits when it comes to allergies, asthma and obesity.

Breastfeeding does seem to cut down some on ear infections and diarrhea. But then again, formula feeding helps fend off rickets.

Every day we make decisions about how to raise our kids, factoring in risks and preferences. For instance, city kids are more apt to get asthma. So do families immediately relocate? Says Wolf, "Most couples would say the costs are too great." Staying put is a small risk they're willing to take. Or what about the fact that more kids die as car passengers than from any other cause? Do we immediately stop driving them, because five or six die each day? Or, says Wolf, do we make a calculated decision that the minimal risk is worth the convenience of driving?

No one questions our choice to live in the city, or to drive the kids to grandma's house. But when it comes to choosing formula, suddenly we are heartless hussies.

Interesting, isn't it, that we focus so harshly on the one part of parenting that only women can perform? A part that society uses to determine whether or not a mom is doing the right thing, as if there aren't a thousand decisions we will make in the next 18 years?

Babies need love and they need food, which they can get from the breast or the bottle. Next subject please!

TheTalkies:RelatedVideos

My Pregnancy - Week 34Are you thinking of breastfeeding? Most babies find it easier to digest breast milk than formula, and your milk has the perfect amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein needed to grow and develop. Your breast milk can even protect your baby from bacteria and viruses, because it is rich in antibodies. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General even recommends that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months of life.

Fakes Stalk China's Booming Baby Formula IndustryBaby Baozi - made in China, but raised on German infant formula. A deep distrust of local formula has Chinese mothers like Yang Liu scouring the globe for trustworthy supplies. These come from her cousin in Germany

ReaderComments (Page 2 of 32)

Wow, Jennifer. You've never had a baby and you are already calling other moms "stupid and/or" (sic). Breastfeeding is incredibly challenging and downright impossible in numerous situations. And this article is discussing the science of it. Do you even know what that means? What a well controlled study looks like? Or do you just know "hard science" because you read it on a poster or heard it on tv? How about a little compassion and a lot less IGNORANT judgment for moms who are trying their hardest. And btw, my daughter is 7 mo and I'm still breastfeeding. But I'm just standing up for women everywhere who tried just as hard as I did, maybe harder. who wanted it just as much as I did, maybe even more. and who are incredible, sacrificing, loving moms. Sure, some women might choose not to breastfeed. But it doesn't make them bad mothers. I'd take a compassionate mom who bottle feeds over a judgmental, angry mom any day.

I am counting the days until Wolf's book comes out. I'm sure she, like anyone who dares question the breast-is-best-at-all-costs fervor, will just be dismissed as being in the pockets of Big Formula. But regardless, I'm glad we'll have some more debate on all of this.

Super points and really awesome of you to defend us formula feeders, especially as you breastfed yourself. That rocks.

Where is anyone calling formula "rat poison" or suggesting that women who formula feed "don't care if their babies live or die?" It seems that it is articles like this, not breast feeding advocates, that are promoting this war between women.

And I am very tired of the argument that scientific studies "only make women feel guilty." How can facts and evidence "make" anyone feel guilty? If women made what they thought was the best decision, why feel guilty? If they tried to breastfeed and couldn't, why feel guilty? Sure, Lenore is right, we make all kinds of decisions involving our kids' health and well being, weighing various factors. But don't you want all the complete, up to date information when making these decisions? Are you suggesting that studies on breastfeeding not be done, or that the information not be released to women?

I look at it like this: I had my second child by c-section. At the time, I made the decision with my doctor based on all the information I had, and I felt it was a good decision for myself and my baby. If a study later came out finding that C-section babies have greater risks of (whatever problem), would that "make me feel guilty"? Of course not! But it would weigh into my decision should I have another child. And the information should be out there for everyone.

I was not breast fed. Why? Because my body couldn't handle it. I have seen other babies who couldn't handle it either. And what about people who adopt or foster? Are they bad parents because they use formula? I mean how in the world are they going to pump milk out of their breasts? How? What if the bio mother is a crack addict? Yes, lets give a baby crack infested milk because HEY, it isn't like the kid isn't screwed enough as it is.........Some people should have been swallowed or flushed. Jennifer, YOU need to get an education on breastfeeding and formula.

It all comes down to genetics. Breastmilk is not some magical potion that makes every child who has it smarter and healthier than all the others who don't. My brother was breastfed and I wasn't. I was never sick as a child and still am not a sick adult - I don't even have seasonal allergies. I also was at the top of my class in every class I ever took. My brother on the other hand, had numerous ear infections and other ailments as a child and has horrible seasonal allergies to this day. He may not be stupid, but he always had to work hard for his grades in school whereas I never did. Breastfeeding is NOT a guarantee. The way I see it, all you breastmilk lunatics who vehemently trash women who chose not to breastfeed are breastfeeding because it makes you feel superior to those who don't. There is no way to absolutely prove that one is better than the other. There are way too many other factors to take into consideration - most importantly GENETICS. You either have it or you don't and breastmilk (or formula) is not going to change your genes.

A child needs love and affection. Just because you are breastfeeding does not mean you are showing love and affection. There are plently of women who only breastfeed because it is cheaper than formula and don't care about the so-called benefits and there are women who breastfeed yet abuse their children, but are they better than the mother who formula feeds yet cherishes every second with her child? I think not.

Well, you almost got it right, but not quite. Yes, genetics have a lot to do with the results you see, but this is actually an argument against using formula. Think of it this way. Everyone is born with their own set of genetic pluses and minuses. Some will have better than average immune systems while others will have weaker than average immune systems. Some will have genetic defects like narrow ear canals or other issues that put them at a higher risk for infections or diseases. Breastmilk is standard nutrition, it gives a normal, average level of health based on each individual's genetics. If you are genetically predisposed to ear infections, you will still get them if you are breastfed. If you have a weaker than average immune system, you will still get sick more often than the average person. Formula, on the other hand, is sub-standard nutrition, because it lacks many of the normal substances found in breastmilk. If you give it to someone with a predisposition to ear infections, they will get MORE ear infections than they would normally have gotten based on their genetic makeup. If they have a weakened immune system, they will get sick MORE OFTEN than if they had gotten a standard diet. If they have a genetically strong immune system, you may not notice anything at all, but that does not mean that it makes no difference to anyone else. You cannot get standard results from a sub-standard source of nutrition. Unfortunately, we cannot tell at birth which child is going to be genetically prone to problems and which is not. This is why it is a crap shoot to give babies formula, some will be just fine, but others will suffer.

As for your comments about superiority and "love and affection", sorry, but you can't "love" your baby out of having ear infections if they are prone to them, but you CAN provide nutrition that helps reduce the number and duration of ear infections your child gets. Your "affection" doesn't prevent digestive issues, doesn't ward off infections, and doesn't have anything to do with your child's health in general. This isn't about who loves their child more, or about who is a better parent, it's about doing what has been scientifically proven to be healthiest for our children whenever possible. Other people's opinions about us should not factor into our health choices.

How can you breast feed and not give love and affection this is obserd! I just know that there are study's (scientific in nature) that show that breast feeding is best. But you live in the U.S.A so you don't have to do anything you don't want too breast feeding included. I breast fead both my children and neither of them have ever been sick to name they are now 10 and 16 so I belive it works for the good of your children. Yes it hurts yes it takes time from your busy life (giving birth is harder) but are your children not worth every bit?

Well, you'd best hope that you don't end up becoming a mother via adoption. While you can take (largely untested) drugs to stimulate milk production, without the hormones pregnancy produces, you will never be able to produce the rich hind-milk, only the fore-milk. And - you'll need to supplement with... (wait for it) formula!

Excuse me...we should give people a break and let them irreparibly harm their innocent children because breastfeeding is hard? because they dont' want to be inconvenienced by pumping in a closet?? What a selfish excuse. Breastmilk should not be optional if it's humanly possible to breastfeed. Quit sticking your heads in the sands, get educated, and don't not do something so crucial just because it can be hard! I breastfed my son exclusively even though it was probably the hardest thing I've done, had milk supply issues, pain, everything, but he has benefitted from it Immensely. Pretend like it's okay not to do it because it's hard? How selfish.

I AM a mother of three and each were delivered by C-section because even though I tried having them by natural birth they were all life-threatening situations. However I COULD and I did breastfeed even though I was in much PAIN. Have you tried breastfeeding after a C-section? It's very painful and it takes hard work.

My mother had four children and she breastfed two of us, (my younger brother and myself). She hardly breastfed my other two sibblings because of health issues not related to breastfeeding. We have all seen the difference. My brother and I who were breastfed are much healthier than our other two sibblings, (by the way, I'm the oldest and much older than the ones that weren't breastfed. Coincidence? I don't think so. My own experience is the reason that I chose to breastfeed al three of my children.

Career? Work? Barefoot and pregnant? Excuse me! I had a great paying career but I traded it for the carreer of a Domestic Engineer, which is the most self-sacrificing, yet the most rewarding. I have no regrets and would gladly do it all over again just to be able to spend that precious time with my children again, (they grow up so fast). My oldest is married and I'm a grandmother now.

You want to know something else? One of my best friends has 11 children and has breastfed all of them! Now, THAT is hard work!

It's all about choices, not excuses. If your decision not to breastfeed is/was because it is/was an inconvenience to you then I say, "It's no wonder that YOU feel guilty since NO ONE and NO ARTICLE have the power to MAKE you feel guilty." However, in the case of my C-sections, if it's life-threatening then that is a different matter altogether.

I agree that it's this type of diatribe that's feuling the "war between mothers". I've never heard a breastfeeder say that formula is rat poison- that was coined by formula feeders who were trying to justify their decision. As a previous poster said, if you made the decision you thought was best there's no reason to feel guilty.

Just because I breastfeed my children doesn't mean that I look down on formula feeders. As a matter of fact, my best friend formula fed her son after a lot of difficulty breastfeeding- stemming in part from lack of support from her selfish huband (those are MY breasts type of baloney). I in no way look down on her. She did her best, and that's all any of us can do.

That said, just because we say something isn't selfish doesn't mean it is not selfish.

I have a relative who said to my mother "I know breastmilk is best for babies, but I'm going to formula feed because I want to get my figure back". Now, this is not a woman who needs to have a terrific figure to make a living, or needs to be away from her children and pump. As a matter of fact, she doesn't work out of the home. I won't pull any punches- this decision was a selfish one!

I'm tired of people making assumptions about the validity of multiple studies based upon one "expert" coming out with an opinion that differs from the conclusions of said studies. It doesn't work like that, people. An opinion does not trump studies, and it never will.

The comment about breastmilk being affected by the mother's nutrition is way off base. Many studies have concluded that there is very little difference between the nutrition of milk from a well-fed, healthy woman and that of a malnourished one. If a woman is too malnourished she will stop producing milk, but that's with extreme malnutrition. As this doesn't apply to very many woman who are actually in a position to buy and use formula, it's a moot point.

What it all comes down to is we all need to make the decisions we think are best. If we do that we shouldn't feel guilty. We all need to grow up and stop putting the blame for our reactions/feelings/etc. on other people. We are all responsible for how we feel and how we react in all situations. No one can "make" anyone feel anything.

I am a breast feederand a formula feeder. I was able to breastfeed my daughter until 2 years old, without any problems. When my daughter was three and a half, I had my son. I wanted to breastfeed again. I made it for 6 weeks, got a very bad infection. It was so painful, even the slightest touch made me cry out. My son could feel me tense up and it was just a better decision to formula feed. He is now a happy and healthy 18 month old. Go for what is right for you! Mostly, just enjoy that cute lil' baby!

well i have 3 kids and my daughters wouldnt breast feed and they are perfectly healthy children.. I breast fed my son for 2 months, now he is on formula and he is just as healthy As can be so whoever thinks formula is better than breast feeding then they have no clue what they are talking about.. Breast feeding does have its benefits but a parent shouldnt be judged by what they decide to feed their infant wheather it be formula or breast milk..so there....

I always find it interesting when people feel they HAVE to give their opinion b/c someone doesn't do as they do. Formula has come a long long way. I have two sons. One turned 2 in Feb and a 3 month old. I breastfed my oldest for 3 weeks but had to go back on my antidepressant. I want to mention that he HAS NEVER had an ear infection or any other infant illnesses. I am a stay at home mom so daycare illnesses are out. He did not get his first cold until he was almost two which he got from his cousin. He has no allergies so far. My 3 month old was born 35 weeks gestation and they had to put him on a high calorie formula immediately so he would not feed from me. I tried and tried with a lactating specialist.

I love this article b/c I think that too many woman that breastfeed are very judgemental to those that formula feed. Like someone had mentioned, we have so many other things to worry about like abuse and neglect to judge woman on how they chose to nourish their children. Isn't it more important that children are fed, clothed, and loved period. I think it's great for woman that breastfeed but I also think that bottle feeding formlula is great too. I love the bonding I have when I give my little Chasey his bottle.

Thank you, Lenore,I totally agree --- I had a very difficult time breastfeeding both of my children (I am a nurse and a stay-at-home mother) and I don't appreciate the guilt heaped on those who can't or choose not to breastfeed. My children are healthy, smart, and thin, by the way). That new study is flawed (as is much of breastfeeding research) for a variety of reasons. Anne

It continues to amaze me that the so-called "support" of fellow women ends up being nothing but judgment. I have a 4 month old son and he has been fed formula and breastmilk since he was born. My son was not a good nurser and I tried as hard as I could to make a real go of it. Anywhere I turned, mostly to lactation consultants, I got nothing but judgment and criticism and often came away from these "consultations" in tears where I was all but told directly that I was a bad mother if I gave up trying to breastfeed. I was also told by many women (because EVERYONE felt entitled to give me advice) that their babies dropped to dangerously low weights, developed jaundice, became dehydrated, etc. before the baby learned to nurse correctly (apparently out of desperation not to DIE FROM STARVATION) so I just had to "hang in there". Well, I'm sorry but I didn't feel that my son's health being in jeopardy for the short term justified whatever benefits he might receive in the long term so we supplemented with formula from the get-go. I learned to lie about this to anyone who asked because I if I got one more lecture about my choices from a complete stranger (compounded by my lack of sleep) I might have gotten into my first-ever fist fight. I pumped breast milk for him for the first few months (to get him through cold and flu season) and then went exclusively to formula. He is bright, healthy, either on track or ahead on his developmental milestones and his height and weight are right on target. Women, please, I AM BEGGING YOU, stop judging each other. Being a new parent is hard enough. You parent the way you see fit and keep your damn mouth shut the rest of the time. We put enough pressure on ourselves to be perfect, we don't need anyone else doing it for us.